News to Know

What you may have missed this week

Published: August 22, 2014

It can be challenging to stay on top of all the important news stories that affect our city. This handy list should help you catch up quickly.

The biggest news to hit Austin this week was the indictment of Governor Rick Perry, who is the second governor of Texas to be indicted in the past century. With only five more months to go on his historically long tenure, he’ll be fighting two felony charges: abuse of official capacity and coercion of a public servant. Combined, the two charges could result in anywhere from two to 99 years in prison. Perry appeared at the courthouse on Tuesday to be booked and have his mug shot taken. He then went to Sandy’s afterwards for a frozen custard treat. Governors, they’re just like us.

In much more uplifting news, LIVESTRONG, the local nonprofit famous for its yellow bracelet and its founder Lance Armstrong, recently donated $50 million to the University of Texas to found the Dell Medical School, pushing the university’s fundraising efforts well above its $3 billion goal. The school will help make the capital city a center for comprehensive cancer care.

Nominated along with both Odd Duck and qui, Wonderland’s backyard food truck, Thai-Kun, nabbed the No. 8 spot on Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants of the year list. Owned by Thai Changthong and Paul Qui, the truck is serving up some of the spiciest Thai food in town. Bon Appetit even shares a few of its recipes.

Forbes magazine released its list of the best cities for young professionals, and Austin landed at No. 8—but don’t start celebrating just yet. According to the report, our city was docked by its high cost of living, which was one of the highest of any of the 15 ranked cities, including Denver and Des Moines.

Speaking of our high cost of living, Austin was featured on another list, but this one is not-so flattering. In Trulia’s Bubble Watch report, Austin is the only Texas city to land in one of the top 10 most-overinflated housing markets in the United States.